Effects of inclined loads on strip footings with an underlying tunnel

• Published in: Advances in engineering software (1992) 2024-12, Vol.198, p.103783, Article 103783
• Main Authors: Wu, Gaoqiao, Zeng, Jiayu, Zhang, Rui, Tan, Yongjie, Zhang, Shiping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Finite element limit analysis; Inclined load; Rock masses; Tunnel
• ISSN: 0965-9978
• DOI: 10.1016/j.advengsoft.2024.103783

•Focus on Hoek-Brown rock Masses: our study specifically addresses the bearing stability of inclined loaded strip footings with underlying tunnels in Hoek-Brown rock masses. To the best of our knowledge, this aspect has not been extensively explored in the existing literature.•Comprehensive parametric studies: the manuscript includes comprehensive parametric studies presented in the form of failure envelopes. These findings provide valuable guidance for preliminary design considerations.•Insightful presentation of failure Patterns: typical failure patterns are systematically presented, offering deeper insight into the evolution of failure mechanisms under varying conditions. The self-developed Finite Element Limit Analysis (FELA) code was utilized to examine the ultimate bearing capacity of strip footings positioned above tunnels affected by inclined loads. Bearing capacity factors were predicted using both upper bound (UB) and lower bound (LB) solutions, with a variance of less than 3 %. The primary focus of this study lies in assessing the influences of underlying tunnels and inclined loads on potential failure modes. In particular, the concept of failure envelopes was introduced, by which the load properties (inclination angle), the tunnel location (relative lateral distance and longitudinal distance from the footing) and the material properties of rock masses (GSI, mi, sci, g) were involved in to facilitate preliminary designs. In addition to envelopes, the transition among failure patterns was summarized, resting with any possible factors.